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The Basics

Start here for basic info and links to more extensive resources. Use the comment form at the bottom if you have other questions you would like answered, or if you need immediate help, use the Contact link in the upper right to send a request.

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This Site

This site is for information about the East Coast contact improv Jam (ECJ) and coordination of event registration and activity.

The East Coast Jam

The East Coast jam is a multi-day Contact Improvisation regional gathering at Claymont Court Estates in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Charles Town, West Virginia. This retreat has been happening twice yearly, in the Spring and Fall, since 1987. (Sometimes an ECJ is held to celeberate New Years, as well.) See the page describing the East Coast Jams for info about what happens at a jam, Claymont Court Estates, and more.

Contact Improvisation (CI)

In essence, CI is a dance technique where points of physical contact provide the starting point for exploration of collaborative movement improvisation. In practice, CI is one of the best-known and most characteristic forms of postmodern dance, as well as a basis for social dance gatherings - CI jams, including CI retreats like the East Coast Jam. For more details, see the Wikipedia CI entryand the descriptions on the Contact Quarterly resources page.

Who can attend the East Coast Jam?

Any responsible adult, or any child with adult supervision, having an interest in Contact Improvisation and the willingness to dance in so far as you are able.

When is the Next one? How much does it cost? Etc...

How do I register?

Registration involves submitting a completed registration form, signing and land-mailing or bringing with you a signed copy of the liability waiver, and submitting the deposit portion of your cost by check via land-mail or (when available) online using a credit card, bank account, or PayPal account. For a safe and good jam we ask that everyone be familiar with the principles described in Respecting Boundaries.

Respecting Boundaries

Contact Improvisation is based around mutual cooperation rather than control. To work well it depends on mutual respect for one another's boundaries. Respecting Boundaries describes this core principle - please read it, to help foster a good and safe jam!

Kids

We welcome kids, but need to know that the parents will make sure that the kids are adequately attended. Unfortunately, we don't have the means to ensure that parents will get help in doing so. Kids 11 and younger get a discount on meals and accommodations.